ODH Seeks Input on State Health Assessment

The Ohio Department of Health has created a survey to inform and update the State Health Assessment (SHA).  This survey is designed to gain insights from a wide variety of sectors and stakeholders to identify health-related priorities, strengths, challenges, and emerging trends that will help inform the next 2023-2028 State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP).  This is your opportunity to provide input with the value and experience you possess while adding a voice to the individuals you serve.  Please see the attached letter from Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, Director, Ohio Department of Health for additional details.  That State Health Assessment survey is open and may be complete through Thursday, February 9^th, 2023.

GOP Lawmakers Share Insight into Ongoing Rift After ‘Chaos’ Erupts on Ohio House Floor

After the past few contentious years in the state, it’s not uncommon to see a scuffle on the House floor. What isn’t common is that a public fight took place between members of the same party.

Since the beginning of the year, the House Republican Caucus has been split in two. Back in November, the GOP caucus voted for Derek Merrin (R-Monclova) to be speaker.

But during the full House vote in December, more moderate state Rep. Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill) won after he collaborated with the Democrats.

Since the kerfuffle, Merrin’s team has promised to fight against Stephens. Ohio seemingly has a three-party system in effect — Democrats, Stephens’ team and Merrin’s team.

(Source: Ohio Capital Journal)

Some States May Allow Nurses to Do More Without Doctors

When COVID-19 hit the United States in 2020, state policymakers across the country jumped to expand access to health care. They temporarily allowed more telehealth, for example, and made it easier for medical providers to practice across state lines.

Many states also gave new authority to nurses, physician assistants and pharmacists, often dropping or loosening requirements for physician supervision during the emergency. Some states expanded the types of services non-physicians could provide — or their “scope of practice” — to allow more of them to administer vaccines or dispense narcotics for the treatment of substance use. Many in those professions, who have long battled in state legislatures for more authority, said the pandemic proved their case. A handful of states, including Delaware, Kansas, Massachusetts, New York, Utah and Wyoming, have made some changes permanent. Supporters say more states should follow. A 2021 report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine recommended that states remove barriers that prevent nurse practitioners from practicing “to the full extent of their education and training.” Those restrictions, the report said, decrease “the types and amounts of health care services that can be provided for people who need care,” especially in rural areas with few doctors.

(Source: Stateline)

Ohio 988 - Gaining the Scoop from the Source

After the successful launch of 988 in Ohio on July 16, 2022, the Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) remains dedicated to its success in answering the calls of Ohioans experiencing crisis. Working closely with the nineteen 988 call centers throughout the state, as well as with stakeholders from across the state and country, OhioMHAS has a clear perspective on how this 3-digit number has been operationalized to serve callers. Participants will hear from the 988 state administrators as they share data, updates, and vision. 

Join this session to gain the 988 scoop directly from the source!

Session Objectives:

• Gain information on the usage metrics of 988 in Ohio
• Learn about the work being done to continue operationalizing 988 in Ohio
• Understand the plans and challenges being addressed as Ohio emerges as a national 988 leader